ROLE OF SCOTLAND'S FIRST MINISTER IN APPOINTMENT OF A NEW COMMISSIONER

That this House notes the decision of Lord Hill, the UK Commissioner, to resign his post in the aftermath of the EU referendum; commends him for his work and for having taken this difficult but principled decision in the light of the result; further notes the decision of the people of Scotland to remain in the EU by an overwhelming majority and in every single local authority area; and calls on the Prime Minister to give the First Minister of Scotland a full say over the appointment of Lord Hill's replacement so that Scotland's views are fully represented in the Commission during this important transition period, and so that the Commissioner can work in cooperation with the Scottish and UK Governments to ensure that they are represented as Westminster negotiates withdrawal and the Scottish Government negotiates Scotland's continued EU membership.